Expert: Jannie Balliett - 1/27/2009

Question
I have 4 boxers, of course, our last being an 8 month girl.  The others are boys, the oldest being the only one that has not been neutered.  My questions are: How will we know when she goes into heat and how old will she most likely be; #2, how long will it last; #3, we know the Boxer Boy we have that is not neutered WILL want to mate with her, but what about the ones that are not?  Will they have the urge?  #4; How do we do this?  We don't' want her to mate until she goes into heat next time, then we will spay her after her 1st litter. How do we prevent this besides keeping them apart? Thank you for your help!  Anything will help!

Answer
DO NOT attempt to mate her until she is 2 years old.

She will not be emotionally or physically ready to give birth and care for puppies until that age.

First heats can be anywhere from 6 months old to 1 year old. It depends.

She will have a heat every 5-6 months. Her heat cycle lasts 28-30 days whether she is continuing to bleed or not. She will accept a male toward the end of the cycle by holding her tail up and cocked to the side and putting her back end up to his face to entice him.

Yes the unneutered male will mate her.

No, the neutered males will not, although they will smell and be curious. It isn't unusual for them to attempt it, but it won't work, obviously. The natural instinct is still there, but the physical ability is not.

You have to keep them apart when she is in heat for 1 month. Otherwise, where there is a will, there is a way-- and she will get pregnant.

If she doesn't come in heat within the next 4-5 months, take her to your vet. She could have a thyroid condition which prevents normal heat cycles.